EDUCATION

The following links can provide helpful information on the schools, universities and continuing education programs that the Tri-Cities offer to their community:

• Kamiakin High School
• Columbia Basin College
• Washington State University - Tri-Cities
• Community Education Program hosted by Kennewick School District
  

The Tri-City Americans are proud of their affiliation with Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).

In 2012-13 academic year alone, 31 student-athletes who played for the Americans at one time during their careers, accomplished their post-secondary education aspirations under their WHL scholarships:

• Spencer Asuchak, Mount Royal University

• Kyle Birch, Portage College
  

• David Conrad, University of Manitoba
  

• Jason Gardiner, University of Manitoba
  

• Drew Hoff, University of Regina

• Kyle Jahraus, University of Saskatchewan

• Michael Kaye, University of Saskatchewan

• Johnny Lazo, University of Alberta
  

• Blair Macaulay, University of Manitoba
  

• Scott Maetche, University of Alberta

• Brett Martyniuk, University of Manitoba

• Riley McIntosh, Lakehead University

• Eric Mestery, University of Manitoba
  

• Max Moline, University of Lethbridge

• Drew Owsley, St. Francis Xavier University

• Brett Plouffe, Dalhousie University
  

• Taylor Procyshen, University of Saskatchewan
  

• Neal Prokop, University of Manitoba

• Kruise Reddick, University of Alberta
  

• Joel Ridgeway, Acadia University
  

• Mackenzie Royer, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
  

• Tyler Schmidt, University of Manitoba

• Paul Sohor, York University
  

• Zak Stebner, University of Saskatchewan
  

• Cam Stevens, Manitoba Apprenticeship Branch
  

• Brock Sutherland, University of Manitoba

• Jarrett Toll, University of Calgary
  

• Lane Werbowski, University of Toronto
  

• Mason Wilgosh, University of Prince Edward Island
  

• Joel Woznikoski, Justice Institute of British Columbia
  

• Cody Wutzke, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (Woodland Campus)
  

In all this season, over 300 former WHL players are now utilizing their WHL Scholarships, 183 of which are playing elite hockey in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Association.

Education is at the forefront of WHL policy decisions and we're proud of it!

The WHL leads the nation in maintaining a solid, consistent education policy.

The WHL Scholarship Program is the cornerstone of that policy, leading the way for Major Junior and Junior hockey in Canada. In fact, it is among one of the best scholarship programs in North America.

The WHL Scholarship guarantees financial assistance to players, not only while playing, but after graduating from the League. This program provides one year in scholarship opportunities for each year a player spends in the WHL.

This does not include additional allowances many players receive while going to high school or college during the season. To facilitate consistent school attendance, game and practice schedules are set to minimize school absences.

Perhaps best of all, these scholarship funds are guaranteed!

The dollars are put in place the day a player and his parents sign their contract. This scholarship is indexed to meet tuition cost increases that may occur in years to come.

The WHL continues to find innovative ways to enhance its commitment to education.

In addition to the WHL Scholarship Program, the League also recognizes a Scholastic Player of the Year (Academic Superstars are not the exception in the WHL) and a Scholastic Team of the Year.

The WHL is the only junior hockey league with a full-time Team Education Advisor to provide academic services to athletes.

While not every player makes use of his scholarship, the results of our educational philosophy continue to be exceptional.

More than 98 percent of all players in the league have completed high school, are attending high school, or are taking post secondary courses.

Across the Western Hockey League, approximately 28 percent of players enroll in university or college courses during the season.

Many WHL graduates attend Canadian colleges and universities and continue to play hockey at a highly competitive level. In fact, approximately 50 percent of Canada West University rosters are made up of WHL graduates. Several of these players find professional hockey opportunities in North America, Europe and elsewhere after completing their studies.

Playing in the WHL offers young athletes a positive experience without compromising their educational objectives.

WHL Scholarship

Unique in Canada, the WHL Scholarship guarantees the cost of tuition and books to players who go on to a college or university after graduating from the League.

The WHL Scholarship contains the following:

For each year played in the League, the player receives one year cost of tuition, books and fees applicable to any career development program from a university, college or technical school in Canada or the U.S. The value of this scholarship is indexed to reflect actual tuition fees and book expenses when the player begins his academic program as a full-time student. In addition, all education costs are paid for players taking college or university courses while playing in the WHL.

A Future in the WHL

Here are some things young hockey players should be thinking about if the WHL is in their future: As a member of a WHL team, you may have to attend high school in another province, however graduating from high school at home can easily be arranged with advanced planning.

Many players choose to return to their home school at the end of each season. This is accomplished without losing credits or courses.

If you are drafted by an American WHL team, minimum academic disruption is the norm. As courses and graduation requirements are often different from Canadian curriculum, early contact between school counselors and their American colleagues is essential.

Trades are a fact of life in the WHL, but academic consideration is part of the process. Usually the transition to a new school is smooth.

It is a clear objective that each WHL player graduates on time from high school while playing in the League. Graduating from high school is just the first step.

The minimum requirements for a high school diploma often leave a student well short of any post secondary opportunities. Required credentials and a diverse knowledge base are necessities.

The Western Hockey League offers young athletes a positive experience without compromising educational objectives.

Planning for the Dream

Great athletes clearly understand what goal setting is all about and what it takes to achieve success. It is not easy. It requires sacrifice, discipline and hard work. To help plan your life goals, ask these questions:

• What type of career do I plan to pursue after high school?

• What do I want to be doing 10 years from now?

• What happens when I have to face life after hockey?

• Even if I play professional hockey, what should I be doing to improve my life skills?

Here is a list of basic skills needed to be successful in any career:

• Creative thinking

• Problem solving

• Oral and written communication skills

• Computer literacy, Interpersonal skills

Attainable Targets:

Be sure to successfully complete all of the following courses in each school grade: English, Social Studies/History, Sciences and Mathematics.

Jim Donlevy

WHL Director, Education Services

Western Hockey League

1, 3030 Sunridge Way NE

Calgary, AB T1Y 7K4

Phone: 403-693-3030

Fax: 403-693-3031